Wasn't That a Party!

The Highlands North Network held a free Seniors Social for residents of Lanark Highlands North on Saturday, March 28^th, 2026.   It was held in Tatlock Community Hall which was all decked out for the event with fresh, spring table settings.  On arrival, attendees were given a loot bag of delicious chocolates purchased from Village Treats in Lanark.

Following speeches via video from Raymond Cho, Ontario Minister for Seniors and Accessibility and John Jordan, Ontario MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, executive members of the Highlands North Network welcomed the capacity crowd and thanked them for their contributions to social health for our local seniors.

Then the good part started!   Everyone was given a raffle ticket, and four lucky winners were gifted with prizes donated by Fluid Solar Roasted Coffee from Clayton, Ontario.  Next, a wonderful lunch was served buffet style and featured scrumptious soups, salad, assorted sandwiches, desserts and beverages.  It was catered by Candy Cane Kitchen in Almonte.  Generous volunteers from the Tatlock community helped with the service of food.  Julie Berthiaume was a terrific party planner and kept everyone in line and having fun. 

Cashmen Ford was the musician, and he did a wonderful job of entertaining the masses.   He came with his guitar and his drummer.    Cashmen played it all - new country featuring songs by Vince Gill, Randy Travis and Alan Jackson; good (some people call it old) country including music from artists such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash; and even some pop and soft rock songs from Neil Diamond and the Eagles.  Best of all were the original songs he sang, in particular “Last Song”.  

This young musician was not just musically talented.  He was friendly and comfortable on the stage.  He read the crowd perfectly and gave us what we wanted.  Soon toes were tapping and dancers were sashaying around the hall.  To our surprise (and Cashmen’s) there was a bonus musician in attendance.  Lloyd White and his violin had come to the party.  Since Lloyd had gone to school with Cashmen’s grandfather, he was invited to join the band, and Lloyd was more than happy to do so.  Lloyd effortlessly played along to the music.  He took the lead on occasion and treated us to some lively violin tunes.   At some point Lloyd began to take on the role of Cashman’s teacher, and he spent the afternoon giving him entertainment tips.  An example:  the best way to get a crowd to dance is to play “Crystal Chandelier”.   Cashmen received direction from Lloyd calmly and appreciatively.  It was like watching a humorous master class in how to play a couple of country music sets at a small rural hall in Eastern Ontario.  Lloyd has decades of experience with this and Cashmen had the relaxed attitude of a young musician who is willing to learn from an elder!  

My husband and I, having retired at Robertson Lake only two years ago, are new to this social scene.  We found ourselves dancing to Anne Murray’s “Could I have this dance” at 1:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon.  It was a surprising situation for us, particularly because there was absolutely no alcohol involved!  And yet, it was fun.  We were enjoying ourselves immensely.  The comradery and friendship which was felt by everyone in that hall was intoxicating enough!

A great time was had by all!

Submitted by Laurel Crosbie-Michaud